WKRC

Useful Advice for Club Runs

These apply to all members be it newbies or old timers.

Club Run Briefing Notes

Below are a few notes intended to increase your enjoyment of the rides.
If you are new to cycling speak to any of the riders for advice on fitness, bikes, position, clothing etc. We will be pleased to help.

Make Sure Your Bike is in Good Working Order.

When riding in a group slipping gears, chains coming off etc can cause accidents. If you have any known faults with your bike get them fixed before coming out on a club run. Club members will do their best to resolve any mechanical faults experienced during a ride, but we are not professional cycle mechanics, so cannot take responsibility for any repairs conducted on the road.

What to Bring with You:

1. •Back pocket food (energy bars/bananas etc)
2. •Drink
3. •At least two inner tubes and puncture repair kit
4. •Tyre levers.
5. •Money to buy tea/coffee and something to eat at the café stop.
6. •Make sure you have identification on you (name, address and telephone number)
7. •Mobile phone

Dress Appropriately:

1. •Remember that a number of thin layers are better than one thick layer
2. •Bring a waterproof/shower proof top
3. •A helmet is not compulsory but highly recommended
4. •If it is really cold then gloves, overshoes and hat (helmet liner) are a must

Your Conduct and Behaviour:

1. •Ahead of all the other suggestions below always remember the Highway Code, rules, regulations and laws of the road apply. You’re responsible for you’re safety so ensure your bike is road-worthy and you’re confident riding on the open roads.
2.  
3. •Have fun: Above all, the club runs are fun. Even when it’s snowing. There may be some rules here but the club run isn’t a military drill, it’s about enjoying getting out on the bike
5. •Highway Code: when riding, first and foremost you must at all time comply with the Highway Code and more than that, you must ride with courtesy and respect for other road users. You are responsible, not only for your own safety but for other riders around you. There will be a leader but their role is limited to choosing the route and so far as possible, making sure the group stays together and respects other road users. They are NOT responsible for your safety, you are. You are also responsible for the cohesion of the Group and helping keep it together. Experienced Club members may ask you to adjust your speed, road position or style. Please respect them, as they are only concerned for everybody’s safety.
7. •Don’t race: The Club Run is a social ride, it is NOT a race. You can race to your heart’s content in organised competitive events but please not on group runs. Do not overtake the rider(s) at the head of the group. Anyone accelerating ahead of the group will be assumed to be on another ride of their own devices. They will not be called after or chased after if they take a wrong turn. We normally wait for people who go off the back of the ride. We do NOT wait for people who go off the front.
9. •Group riding etiquette: Aim to ride with less than one meter between you and the rider in front. Ride in pairs, NEVER more than two abreast and directly behind a rider in front and not diagonally. Single-out if a car is behind and when filing out would enable the car to pass, or if the road conditions make it sensible to do so. Be careful when braking suddenly.
11. •Ride together and wait: When at a slow down a little to allow the riders behind to catch up and proceed as a group. Everyone takes time to set-off, clip-in and get settled back in the saddle. Keep the group together. Likewise, re-group at the top of hills and if necessary at the bottom. The lead riders should make sure that all riders are back in the group before resuming the at normal pace. It is okay to keep moving but slowly, until everyone is back together.
13. •Warnings and help: Front riders should warn of hazards ahead and inform the rest of the group verbally and/or with hand signals. Rear riders should ensure that no-one is falling behind. If they are, then they should inform those in front and the Group should slow to allow it to be reformed.
15. •Change the lead: Every few minutes, the lead should change. So if you’ve been sitting on the front for a while, when it’s safe to do so, tell the others and swap the lead. But if you’re tiring and suddenly it’s your turn to be on the front, tell the others as its fine to take it easy.
17. •Say hello: If you’re new, please identify yourself to those leading the club run. Please listen to them, as they will explain how the run works and where it’s going.
19. •Join: We especially welcome new members on the club run and if you like the club run, please become a member. We’re happy for you to try the ride a few times but after three or four rides you join if you want to ride with us.
21. •Wear club kit: Members should wear the club kit if they can. The West Kent Road Club clothing is pro-team quality and stylish.
23. •Mechanicals: If someone punctures or has a mechanical, everyone is expected to stop. So in return for delaying everyone, make sure you start the ride with spares like an inner tube, tyre levers and that your bike is roadworthy.
25. •The Knowledge: The Kent Lanes might seem maze-like but with some map reading and riding you can get to know the local roads. To get more out of regular riding, be sure to learn some of the local roads.

27. •These rules aren’t set in stone, it’s all about being sensible and aware whilst riding on the road. Our club runs attract lots of riders and so these rules set out what’s required. Remember, you are responsible for your safety and take part in activities at your own risk.

29. •You participate in the club runs entirely at your own risk. The Club has a duty of care towards you. Club members will offer appropriate instructions and advice on safety/road conditions during the rides.

31. •The club will do all that is reasonable to ensure the safety of all riders.

33. •The Highway Code must be observed at all times, by all riders, regardless of advice/instructions given.

35. •Everyone’s safety depends on all riders acting responsibly.

Insurance:

1. You must have appropriate third party insurance for your own sake this can be obtained through Membership of British Cycling, LVRC or the CTC and by joining these you’re supporting cycling in this country too.